New legislators could soon serve county residents

Published: Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 3, 2013 at 2:12 p.m.

Three people represent Davidson County in the North Carolina General Assembly, and three others represent the county in Congress. One-third of that representation could change soon — and not due to a regularly scheduled election. U.S. Rep. Mel Watt, D-12th, has been nominated by President Obama to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency. State Rep. Jerry Dockham, R-Davidson, has been nominated by Gov. Pat McCrory to the N.C. Utilities Commission; he could start his new post July 1 if approved by the Legislature, a likely scenario.

An election would be held to fill Watt's post while the Davidson County Republican Party would choose someone to take Dockham's position. Jockeying is already beginning for both seats. Whoever ends up taking over the positions will be replacing long-time legislators: Watt has served 20 years in the U.S. House while Dockham is serving his 12th term in the state House. Davidson County residents know Dockham's replacement will come from the county, as representatives must live in the district. But if Watt is confirmed and leaves his seat, his replacement will probably come from a county in the 12th District with more Democratic voters.

Lexington residents heard good news and bad news during the city council's budget work sessions this week. The good: the property tax rate, which rose 4 cents to 60 cents per $100 evaluation in this fiscal year, will remain the same in the coming year — no big surprise since 2013 will see municipal elections. But utility rates will go up 5.7 percent, which works out to about $90 per year. City officials say outside forces are driving the rate, although they promise to seek ways to mitigate future hikes.

Competing health care organizations aren't unusual in large cities, but direct competition is more unusual in smaller ones like Lexington. Novant Health made a move this week to fill a void by opening a PrimeCare location on Cotton Grove Road. Wake Forest Baptist Health closed its urgent care facility, MedChoice, about a year ago. An urgent care facility fills an important role for those in need of medical assistance, so PrimeCare has a chance to be successful in the city.

Congratulations goes out to the 24 Lexington Middle School students honored Thursday by the Lexington Human Relations Commission. The commission applauded the students for serving as role models in demonstrating positive character traits. In a time when bullying can be a real problem in schools, the students provide an important counterpoint and serve as an example to their classmates for appropriate behavior.

<p>Three people represent Davidson County in the North Carolina General Assembly, and three others represent the county in Congress. One-third of that representation could change soon — and not due to a regularly scheduled election. <B>U.S. Rep. Mel Watt, D-12th</B>, has been nominated by President Obama to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency. <B>State Rep. Jerry Dockham, R-Davidson</B>, has been nominated by Gov. Pat McCrory to the N.C. Utilities Commission; he could start his new post July 1 if approved by the Legislature, a likely scenario.</p><p>An election would be held to fill Watt's post while the Davidson County Republican Party would choose someone to take Dockham's position. Jockeying is already beginning for both seats. Whoever ends up taking over the positions will be replacing long-time legislators: Watt has served 20 years in the U.S. House while Dockham is serving his 12th term in the state House. Davidson County residents know Dockham's replacement will come from the county, as representatives must live in the district. But if Watt is confirmed and leaves his seat, his replacement will probably come from a county in the 12th District with more Democratic voters.</p><p>Lexington residents heard good news and bad news during the <B>city council's budget work sessions </B>this week. The good: the property tax rate, which rose 4 cents to 60 cents per $100 evaluation in this fiscal year, will remain the same in the coming year — no big surprise since 2013 will see municipal elections. But utility rates will go up 5.7 percent, which works out to about $90 per year. City officials say outside forces are driving the rate, although they promise to seek ways to mitigate future hikes.</p><p>Competing <B>health care organizations </B>aren't unusual in large cities, but direct competition is more unusual in smaller ones like Lexington. Novant Health made a move this week to fill a void by opening a PrimeCare location on Cotton Grove Road. Wake Forest Baptist Health closed its urgent care facility, MedChoice, about a year ago. An urgent care facility fills an important role for those in need of medical assistance, so PrimeCare has a chance to be successful in the city.</p><p>Congratulations goes out to the <B>24 Lexington Middle School students </B>honored Thursday by the Lexington Human Relations Commission. The commission applauded the students for serving as role models in demonstrating positive character traits. In a time when bullying can be a real problem in schools, the students provide an important counterpoint and serve as an example to their classmates for appropriate behavior.</p>